The Princeton Rays got off to a quick start against the Johnson City Cardinals on July 18 at Princeton's Hunnicutt Field but could not withstand the home run barrage from Johnson City as they fell 4-1 to the Cardinals in Appalachian League play.

The P-Rays got the first run on the board via a single, double, and fielding error on three consecutive batters. After that, Princeton could not muster any more runs against the Cardinal staff on the night. Johnson City starting pitcher Kyle Hald picked up the win as he went six innings, giving up that one run with six strikeouts on the night.

The Cardinals started their scoring off with an opposite field home run by Roberto De La Cruz in the third inning. De La Cruz came back to the dish two innings later and crushed a mammoth shot over the batters eye in center field.

The barrage continued in the seventh when Tyler Rahmatulla launched one over the left field wall. The Cardinals would add another run that same inning, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Jesus Montero.

P-Rays starting pitcher Ian Kendall took the loss as he went five innings striking out four hitters but also giving up two home runs in the process. Hitting star for the P-Rays on the night was second baseman Ryan Brett, who was 1-3 with a triple and a walk.

The P-Rays and Cardinals continue the series tomorrow night, July 19, at 7:00 p.m. at Princeton's Hunnicutt Field when the first 400 fans into the ballpark will receive a FREE Princeton Rays' replica jersey tee shirt presented by Southern Coalfields Tobacco Prevention Network.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.